Weather IQ: Weather models

All weather models work on the same basic principles, solving for a large number of complex equations for various locations at both the surface, and different heights (layers) of the atmosphere. These equations solve for many parameters such as temperature, dew point, wind speed, in addition to many others. Once all these calculations have been completed for a given time step, the solutions can be put together to form a picture, or map, of what the future state of the atmosphere looks like based on the model’s calculations. This new set of variables is then input back into the model and repeatedmany times over, giving us a range of forecasts valid from a few hours to many months into the future!

Today, the NWS runs an extensive suite of weather models, ranging from local, high-resolution, short-term models that help pinpoint severe weather (the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh model (HRRR)), medium resolution models that produce quality short-range forecasts for the North American continent (the North American Model (NAM)), to our Global Forecast System (GFS) that we use not only for weather in the U.S. but for the entire globe. Complementing our weather models are a suite of other environmental simulations like the National Water Model as well as models that predict ocean/lake waves and currents, ice cover, aerosols, and the land surface. Improvements to these models are continuous as NOAA and the NWS work towards the next generation of weather and environmental models that are expected to provide forecasters with more skilled guidance in order to continue our core missions in the protection of life and property.

Weather IQ is powered by the meteorologists and forecasters at WCNC Charlotte in North Carolina. This channel is dedicating to forecasting, explaining, and educating weather, climate, and atmospheric science to everyone, including teachers, students, and more.

[mujinaumemiya]

Looking at weather forecast published 2 to 3 days before gives good assessment of the accuracy of modeling and simulations.

[RocketSurgery]

hey, this is great. thank you for taking time to make this video! I've been taking an interest in meteorology lately and your way of communicating ideas is really friendly and helpful. 😊

[christianbaur]

I really enjoyed the way you explained the “models”